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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Shipping ministry launches India's first maritime NBFC Sagarmala Finance
In a move to ease access to finance for shipping-related ventures, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday launched the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India's first non-banking financial company (NBFC) in the maritime sector. Formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, SMFCL is now positioned to play a transformative role in India's maritime infrastructure development, aligned with the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the shipping ministry said. 'SMFCL will bridge crucial financing gaps and offer sector-specific financial solutions, empowering ports, MSMEs, startups, and institutions. It has fulfilled a long-standing demand of the maritime industry in the country,' said Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The company was formed by converting the existing PSU, Sagarmala Development Corporation, into an NBFC. Between the Maritime Development Fund and SMFCL, the government aims to mobilise nearly ₹1.5 trillion for maritime financing. The corporation will offer tailored financial products—including short, medium, and long-term funding—to a diverse range of stakeholders such as port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and maritime educational institutions. In its expanded mandate, SMFCL will also support strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and maritime education, further reinforcing India's vision to emerge as a global maritime leader, the ministry said. The ministry also released a Port Readiness Index for major ports across the country to identify strategic action areas such as land facilitation for green hydrogen production, demand stimulation, shared infrastructure investment, international collaboration, and proactive investment roles. 'Indian ports such as V O Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port, Deendayal Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai, and Cochin are particularly well-positioned to cater to the clean energy demands of East Asia and the European Union,' the ministry stated. Additionally, in line with its plan to address discrepancies between tariff regimes at major ports, the ministry released a standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) template for all major ports to enhance transparency and ease of doing business.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
How Patna Water Metro can transform the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently announced that Patna will soon get water metro services, transforming the city into a hub for inland water transport on the Ganga. Earlier this year, the Inland Waterways Authority of India had initiated a detailed feasibility study for the project, and asked Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) — which runs a successful water metro service — to assess its potential along the Ganga and its tributaries. Patna's roads are perennially crowded. Major arteries like Gandhi Setu, Phulwarisharif, Bypass Road, and Danapur frequently witness gridlocks, affecting everyone from office goers to school children. The problem is compounded by the movement of heavy vehicles, especially sand-laden trucks, which have been permitted entry on certain routes. According to police data, there is a significant mismatch between the number of vehicles on the roads and the city's capacity to handle them. While mining associations reportedly release around 1,000 trucks daily, Patna's infrastructure can efficiently accommodate only about a quarter of that number. This persistent overload results in daily traffic crises, with breakdowns on critical infrastructure like Gandhi Setu causing hours-long jams. Beyond congestion, Patna's linear layout and riverine boundaries limit the scope for road expansion. The city is hemmed in by the Ganga to the north, the Sone near Hajipur to the west and the Punpun to the south. This unique geography, while constraining road growth, offers an under-utilised resource in the form of its rivers. Philanthropist Khurshid Ahmad, founder of Advantage Services, claims that the concept of a water-based metro for Patna was first publicly discussed at his 'Advantage Dialogue: Opinion That Matters – Main Hoon Bihar' event last September, where architect Vishnu Choudhary suggested harnessing Patna's rivers for mass transit 'on the lines of Venice and Kerela' and to turn the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset. What is the Water Metro model? A water metro is a modern, scheduled passenger ferry system using electric or hybrid vessels, operating much like a metro rail, except on water. The concept was first realised in India with the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, which now connects 10 islands with the mainland via electric boats operating from multiple terminals. The Kochi system, implemented by KMRL with German funding support, has already served over 40 lakh passengers. Patna's proposed water metro draws directly from this model. Instead of connecting islands, Patna's system will primarily serve the city's east-west axis along the Ganga, with potential for cross-river routes to Hajipur and Sonepur. What is the status of the Patna project? The IWAI has tasked KMRL with conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for Patna. In April-May, KMRL teams visited key sites including NIT Ghat, Gai Ghat, Digha Ghat, Kaunhara Ghat (Hajipur), and Sonepur, surveying river conditions during the dry season. A second round of surveys is scheduled during the monsoon (June–September), when the Ganga's water levels and sedimentation patterns change dramatically. The study covers hydrographic analysis (river depth, sedimentation, seasonal variations), as well as demand estimation through commuter surveys, origin-destination mapping, and integration with city plans. The Bihar government has nominated a senior official as nodal officer to coordinate with KMRL to identify optimal routes, estimate ridership, and model costs and revenues for a viable, sustainable system. The timeline for implementation will be clearer once the feasibility assessment is complete, with the project expected to follow a phased rollout prioritising high-demand routes and integration with existing and upcoming transport systems. What are the main challenges? Seasonal Sedimentation and Water Level Fluctuations: The Ganga's depth and flow vary widely between dry and monsoon seasons, affecting both navigation and terminal design. Infrastructural Gaps: Existing ferry services are informal and lack modern amenities. The water metro will require new, covered terminals, safe docking, ticketing systems, maintenance facilities, and charging infrastructure for electric boats. Unorganised Ferry Operations: Current river transport is largely unregulated, with dozens of small ferries lacking standard safety protocols. Regulatory and Administrative Complexity: Multiple agencies and departments will need to coordinate, requiring clear frameworks for safety, operations and revenue sharing. What are the expected benefits? If implemented effectively, the Patna Water Metro could deliver multiple advantages: Decongestion: By offering a direct, traffic-free alternative along the river, the water metro could ease pressure on Patna's busiest roads, especially for commuters living along the riverbanks from Koilwar to Bakhtiyarpur. Environmental Gains: Electric and hybrid ferries emit far less pollution than cars or trucks. Inland water transport can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to six times per tonne-km compared to road transport, helping Patna address its other major problem of air quality. Improved Connectivity: Plans include 16 new community jetties and two modern terminals, with hybrid catamaran vessels and a local vessel repair facility, enhancing both passenger and cargo movement. Cost-Effective Travel: Water transit can move large numbers of passengers or cargo at lower per-person costs, making it an affordable alternative for daily commuters. Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate jobs in construction, boat-building, operations, and tourism. Riverfront development around jetties could spur new markets, restaurants, and public spaces, while scenic ferry rides may boost tourism. How will it fit with other transport projects? The water metro is designed to complement Patna's upcoming rail metro, whose first phase is set to open on August 15. The city's new Blue Line will connect Patna Junction with the Inter-State Bus Terminal, and water metro terminals are expected to be planned near major transport hubs, residential areas, and markets to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity. How does this align with national plans? Patna's water metro is part of a broader national push to develop urban water transport. The city sits on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), a 1,390-km stretch of the Ganga from Varanasi to Haldia. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), a Rs 5,061 crore initiative led by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, with completion expected by December, has built terminals and dredged channels along NW-1, providing vital infrastructure for further exploration to Patna's Water Metro. What are the potential long-term impacts? A successful water metro could catalyse broader urban renewal along Patna's riverfront, as well as help develop Hajipur as its sister city, by sparking redevelopment, tourism infrastructure, and commercial growth. Socially, it promises affordable, accessible transport for all, including the elderly and disabled, while connecting riverside communities and creating new employment opportunities.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Groundwater recharge, rooftop audits key focus in ‘Catch the Rain' action plan
As part of the national Catch the Rain–2025 campaign, the Gautam Budh Nagar administration is pushing towards groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting in wake of monsoon, said officials on Tuesday. The plan includes the installation of piezometers across urban and rural areas, identification of water-stressed zones, and auditing of rainwater harvesting systems in high-rise buildings. Deployment of piezometers was among the key issues discussed. 'Catch the Rain' is a national water conservation campaign launched by the centre under the National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The directives came during a recent review conducted by director, Department of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the central nodal officer for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Rituraj Mishra during his visit to the district this week. Mishra emphasised the urgency of water conservation, calling it a shared responsibility, and urged all departments to finalise their water conservation action plans without delay, officials said. Deployment of piezometers was among the key issues discussed, said officials. To be sure, a piezometer is a device used to measure the pressure or level of groundwater in the soil, especially in wells or boreholes. It helps authorities monitor how deep the water table is and how it fluctuates over time. 'Piezometer data will allow us to monitor groundwater levels scientifically and respond to stress zones more precisely. This will greatly improve how we plan recharge efforts across the district,' said hydrologist, ground water department, Guatam Budh Nagar, Ankita Rai. Authorities have also been asked to coordinate with the district groundwater department to ensure that all high-rise residential societies have operational rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. Audits will be conducted to assess their functionality and enforce corrective action where needed, said officials. 'Water conservation cannot be the responsibility of a single department. All stakeholders must come together with clear, actionable plans. Catch the Rain–2025 is not just a campaign, it is a long-term commitment to securing our groundwater reserves,' said chief development officer, Vidyanath Shukla, adding that local bodies have been instructed to engage RWAs in spreading awareness and taking ownership of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. To further reduce pressure on the water table, departments have been instructed to maximize the use of Ganga water in supply networks and minimise dependence on groundwater extraction, officials informed. As of May 2025, approximately 100 high-rise buildings across Gautam Budh Nagar have functional rainwater harvesting systems, according to the ground water department records. Among government establishments, around 60% have operational systems in place. According to assistant engineer, minor irrigation department, Pramod Kumar, implementation under the campaign is progressing steadily, with multiple projects already underway.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
CBI case on Tata Engineering executives: Govt to tighten tendering oversight to check similar conflicts
CHENNAI: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is soon expected to initiate certain policy reforms with regard to tendering at ports to tighten the process. This mainly to avoid tendering oversight and prevent similar conflicts in future infrastructure work, in the wake of the CBI case registered on former officials of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and personnel from Tata Consulting Engineers today (June 21), said a government source familiar with the development. The CBI registered a fresh case against these officials and two international dredging companies in the Capital Dredging Project—designed to deepen navigational channels near Mumbai to accommodate larger vessels. This project was under scrutiny for alleged irregularities totaling over ₹800 crore. In the case, the CBI claimed that officials from JNPT and TCE colluded to create a cartel, manipulating tender outcomes to favour specific foreign bidders This apparent favoritism and suppression of competition reportedly inflated project costs, with total public losses pegged at around ₹800 crore . The Investigators allege that cost estimates were deliberately inflated. Reports from independent bodies—including IIT Chennai, the National Institute of Oceanography, and other advisors—who had certified the dredging work were allegedly sidelined During the project, the dumping site for dredged material was redirected, deviating from environmental clearance conditions—an action reportedly suggested by advisors who later participated in investigating the project, raising conflict-of-interest red flags.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
S.K.Bhasha appointed as AP Chairman of Port Trust Workers Federation
Ongole-based Shaik Khalifatulla Bhasha has been appointed as Andhra Pradesh State Chairman of All India Port Trust Workers Federation (AIPTWF). He is also President of AP Bhartiya Janta Majdoor Cell (BJMC). This appointment marks a significant step towards empowering port trust workers and strengthening the workers' movement in the state. Arnab Chatterjee, National Chairman of AIPTWF, announced his appointment on the stage of 'Viksit Bharat – 11 Years of Governance for the Common People' held at New Delhi on Tuesday. BJMC National Youth President Deepak Sharma, National Secretaries N. Prashant and Arman Ganguly were present at the event. Mr. Arnab also wrote a letter to Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman to allocate office space for the AP State Unit of the AIPTWF. 'The presence of our office within the port premises will greatly enhance coordination between port workers and authorities, and ensure timely redressal of grievances and implementation of welfare initiatives,' he wrote. He also discussed the same with Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Both leaders have extended their support for the activities and outreach of the AIPTWF. -EOM
